Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Mr. Clyde Beatty


I was with Polack Bros. Circus showing the Shrine date in San Jose, Ca. when I heard that Clyde Beatty had died, forty years ago today. The public had come to recognize him as the person who represented the American Circus and he held that position well, always a gentleman and a credit to the business.
Buckles

Posted by Buckles at 7/19/2005 07:27:00 AM

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

At the ripe old age of 49 I can come up with plenty of reasons to be unimpressed with "fighting acts," and living in a coastal town in California the truth is that the name "Clyde Beatty" is more often associated with surfboards and clothing from Clyde Beatty Junior than it is with the bigtop, or Hollywood.

Ah, but I remember... According to my mother I saw circuses from the time that I was infant. I have no real recollection of those shows. The ones that I recall clearly are from the age of five forward and the most distinct memory from then is of Beatty. He may have been my first "hero." Later I read the books, and saw the films. Later still I learned that he was a performer and not a real trainer and that I shouldn't have been in awe of him in those last few years of his career. Except that I was. Except that I still am. My first job after high school was in a venomous reptile show owned by a guy whe chnaged his name from "Bob" to "Clyde" because of Beatty.

His shadow loomed large.

19 July, 2005 09:10
Anonymous said...

At a ripe old age of 62 I agree with everything you have written. A good press can make or break a person. Unfortunely(?) that is how a sancutary is causing so much grief for the animals in the circus. People will believe anything if shoved in their face long enough. These pictures will show just how well cared for and loved our animals are. Pictures tell the truth. I am so greatful for the Woodcock Collection.

19 July, 2005 10:10
Anonymous said...

Clyde Beatty was a showboat. He had a no true skill as an animal trainer. He relied on the animal trainers to do the real work. Whenever the big cheese or corporate would come down to visit, Clyde Beatty was the first act show how much "work" he was doing. As if he was the glue that held the fort together. Clyde was an opportunist and give him credit for that. But as far as being a excellent or skilled animal trainer. He was not. He had no style or essences. He was fake in its truest sence. His passion was there but an animal trainer from the 50-60 or even 70's would eat him for lunch. I love the pictures. Keep posting

--Larry from NC

19 July, 2005 11:13
Anonymous said...

"fighting Acts" are a crowd pleaser. Maybe you haven't been to the circus in awhile and have seen the dwindling lines and empty seats in the main tent. But no animal trainer today could hold a candle stick to the animal trainers of the golden era of the circus. The circus could sell out every night because the amazing animal tricks and shows. People loved that stuff. Fighting acts, cat acts, elephant acts!!! Your in the minority when you say people didn't love the animal acts. That's one of the main reasons the circus is having the trouble it is. There animal acts aren't the same. People will always love animals. Children will always be impressed with animals. Whether it's a fighting act or another act the people will pack the house if it''s good. And yes, Clyde Beatty was complete sell out he was hollywood. not a animal trainer.

19 July, 2005 11:17
Anonymous said...

Someone needs to set the record straight, especially for those who did not know Mr. Beatty. That'll be my job. As for training, I was working for him when he was dying of cancer, and was on his tunnel door when he trained and added two green tigresses to an act of tough veterans. Only a trainer can do that. Style--he had it like none other. You of today can't know what his audiences saw, or why he packed Big Tops during the Depression. The saying, "After ya seen Beatty, the rest of 'em stinks" holds today. Subsequent trainers have been capable, but it is they who lacked style. They couldn't bend at the waist and shine Clyde Beatty's boots. As for selling out, no. He didn't seek Hollywood. Hollywood came to him. Learn your history. Roger Smith

19 July, 2005 18:24
Anonymous said...

Buckles,

Why can't I post any comments? Are you updating the site? Love the site but we need to commment.

20 July, 2005 10:17
Anonymous said...

Buckles, I think you and Shannon have created a monster. Love it!! When I loged on the morning I noticed the comment line was gone. Scared me.

20 July, 2005 12:06
Anonymous said...

Beatty was the best

21 July, 2005 11:44

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